Bengie Molina is known as the Giants' best clutch hitter and most inspirational player, a two-time winner of the Willie Mac Award. He's not much for sitting out. But in a Friday interview, he said he'd be open to Pablo Sandoval becoming Barry Zito 's personal catcher.
Sandoval caught for the first time in 2009 on Wednesday, and Zito threw seven scoreless innings. In Zito's first two starts, with Molina catching, he had a 10.00 ERA. quot;I'm not a selfish guy,quot; Molina said. quot;I'm not going to be upset or anything. I came here to play and win. I'm proud of what I do. I don't want to make anybody uncomfortable. If that's what it'll take for Z to pitch well, Sandoval to catch him, I'm up for that.
quot;We need Z to give us a lot of good innings and wins. I love Z. If he feels uncomfortable with me or whatever it is ... I don't want him to struggle. I'm not saying he's comfortable or uncomfortable with me. I'm just saying in this case, he's doing real well with Pablo.quot;
Sandoval caught five of Zito's final eight starts in 2008, and Zito went 3-0 with a 3.21 ERA. Molina, who said he hasn't heard talk of Sandoval continuing to catch Zito, was impressed with how Sandoval made the one-day transition from third base to catcher.
quot;You've got to have raw talent,quot; Molina said. quot;There's no way you can just put gear on and be a catcher and do as good as he does it. He's amazing.quot;
BRIEFLY: For the first time since the opener, the Giants scored a first inning run, an Edgar Renteria homer. ... Recently signed Dallas McPherson back spasms hasn't yet reported to Fresno. ... Injured reliever Sergio Romo elbow is in uniform this series.
